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Image source: Seoul Metropolitan Government  
Seorae Global Village Center
seorae@seoul.go.kr
3F Jeon BD, 28, Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul  02-2155-8916     
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Welcome to the Seorae Global Village Center

Greetings. Thank you for your interest in our activities and programs.  As we are entering a new year, we would like to re-instate some of our rules and regulations related to the programs offered at our center:


  1. Personal information that is collected to participate in the monthly programs (name, phone number, emails, nationality, visa type, address (-gu)) will only be used for the purpose of running our programs and will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent.
  2. Group activities are recorded either as still images or videos for the purpose of internal record keeping and to use as our promotional material. The center reserves the right to these images.  If you do not wish to appear in photos nor in videos, kindly inform the staff before joining an activity so that we may edit the images accordingly.
  3. If you register for an activity, kindly confirm your attendance and if any payment is required to participate, arrange to make the payment for any reservation / material fee by the deadline mentioned in the confirmation email (typically one week in advance).
  4. If you have registered for a class and paid but can no longer attend, kindly arrange for someone to take your place if the class involves food ingredients or craft supplies. Alternatively, you can arrange for your ‘kit’ to be collected within 24 hours of the class.
  5. Payment or reimbursement request on the day of the class will no longer be accepted. This is to prevent no-shows occurring.
  6. Classes that are running longer than one session per month such as the Minhwa and the Hanji classes, the class fee is for the total number of sessions offered and published in the newsletter. Request for partial payment or discounts for missed sessions will no longer be accepted.
  7. Participants that sign up with no follow-on action for multiple occasions will be restricted from joining our classes in the future.
  8. Should you wish to stop receiving these monthly newsletters, please write us an email to seorae@seoul.go.kr.  

Rules pertaining to Korean classes are stated separately in the class participation rules and in your confirmation emails.  Please ask a staff for a hard copy of it if needed.  We hope to have your support in our operational efforts and look forward to seeing you again soon. 


- Seorae Global Village Center team

PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
Discover Minhwa: Korea People's Art  
Did you know that the tiger and magpie featured in K-POP Demon Hunters were inspired by 19-century Minhwa paintings? These works often satirized social conflicts― where the tiger symbolized corrupt officials, and the magpie represented the people―
showing the mighty tiger being outwitted by the magpie. Minhwa was an art form created for everyone, not the elite. With its bold lines, vibrant colors, and playful imagery, it became a cherished part of everyday Korean life.

From September to October, we are excited to offer a five-session workshop where participants will create their very own "Tiger and Magpie" Minhwa artwork, perfect for decorating your wall. Whether you are a beginner or already familiar with traditional Korean painting, this workshop is a wonderful opportunity to explore the Minhwa, and complete a meaningful piece to cherish.


⚠ Please note: Brushes will need to be purchased seperately, so additional spending may apply.


Date and Time : September 16th - October 28th 2025 | Tuesdays 14:00 - 16:00
* No class on September 23th and October 7th 
Location : Seorae Global Village Center (3F, 28, Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul)
Target Audience : Foreign residents(adult) living in Seoul
Fee : 40,000KRW for 5 sessions (brushes not included) 
Payment due date : September 9th 18:00 (your reservation will be automatically cancelled if payment is not made by then).

📌 Space limited to 8 people
📌 Class conducted in French and English

Reservation : Scan the QR code in the image or click the 'sign up' button down below to fill out the form
Inquiry : seorae@seoul.go.kr | 02-2155-8916
Hanji literally means "the paper of Korea".
The main material is the fibrous skin from mulberry trees so it is a strong and long lasting material unlike the regular industrial paper. It is used in a variety of ways; it is used to make furniture such as a side night stand, a lamp or even a big chest.
Join us on Friday morning to discover this Korean traditional medium.
You may choose from a variety of objects realizable with Hanji by consulting a catalog on display at the center. Once you choose your item, we would need at least one week to prepare the starting kit. Material cost is paid in advance prior to the first class.  
Date and Time : September 12, 19, 26th 2025 (3 sessions) | Fridays 10:00 - 12:00 
Location : Seorae Global Village Center(3F, 28, Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul)
Who can join : Foreign residents(adult) living in Seoul
Fee : Varies/Item (once the application is submitted, we will send you a catalog via email)
Payment due date : September 5th 18:00 PM (your reservation will be automatically cancelled if payment is not made by then).

📌 Space limited to 10 people
📌 Session conducted in English 

Reservation : click the 'sign up' button down below and fill out the form
Inquiry : seorae@seoul.go.kr | 02-2155-8916
Join Our Singing Class:
New Choir Members for the Christmas Season!

This fall, we are excited to welcome new members to our Choir Singing Class, led by professional vocal coach Ms. Kyoungha Persaud. In preparation for the Christmas season, the class will focus on carols from around the world, helping you refine your voice and experience the joy of ensemble singing.

Participants will have the chance to connect with fellow music lovers, explore diverse musical traditions, and build a supportive choir community. Your hard work will shine at the Center's Year-End Party in early December, where the choir will present a festive performance for friends and family.

Whether you are an experienced singer or a curious beginner, we welcome your passion and commitment―join us for a season of music, celebration, and community!


⚠ To ensure the success of this journey, we have established some essential rules and guidelines to promote commitment and responsibility. Please carefully read the guidelines down below before applying.


Date and Time : Every Friday 13:30-15:00 starting from September 12th 2025
*No class on October 3th 
Location : Seorae Global Village Center (3F, 28, Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul)
Target Audience : Foreign residents(adult) living in Seoul

📌 Free of charge, but registration required
📌 Class conducted in English 

Reservation : click the 'sign up' button down below and fill out the form
Inquiry : seorae@seoul.go.kr | 02-2155-8916 
Rules & Guidelines
We warmly invite those who are ready to follow these rules and dedicate themselves to the learning process to apply for this class.

1. **Attendance and Punctuality**:
- Regular attendance is required for successful participation. If a participant misses two classes without prior notice, their spot will be forfeited, and it will be offered to someone on the waiting list.
- If you know you will be absent, please notify the center or the instructor before or after the class.

2. **Performance Commitment**:
- Choir members are expected to attend the rehearsals leading up to the performance. Missing rehearsals will affect the performance readiness of the entire group. 
- If you commit to a performance, you are expected to be available on the event day(December 6th) and to fully participate in the preparation process. Failure to attend a performance without valid reason will result in exclusion from future events.

3. **Preparation**:
- Participants are expected to learn their parts for performances and bring any necessary materials(e.g., music sheet, water, etc.).

4, **Communication**:
- All choir-related communication(rehearsal schedules, cancellations, and updates) will be done through email or a group chat. It is your responsibility to stay informed.

Curriculum

Week 1: Abdominal breathing, pitch exercises, and understanding basic sheet music

Week 2: Beat, dynamic, lyric interpretation, and scale practice

Week 3: Graceful expression, smooth vocalization, and phrasing

Week 4: Rhythm, fast pronunciation, and emotianal expression

Week 5: Exciting rhythm and tempo practice

Week 6: Pop singing techniques

Week 7: Dynamics control and harmony appreciation

Week 8: Hig-pitched vocalization practice

Week 9: Team ensemble practice

Week 10: Chorus composition and melodic memory

Week 11: Stage rehearsal and perfomance feedback

Korean Cooking Class
Menu of this month: Dakbokkeumtang(ë‹­ëł¶ìŒíƒ•) & Cabbage Perilla Pickles

Due to popular demand, we are bringing back Dakbokkeumtang(ë‹­ëł¶ìŒíƒ•), Korea's hearty and spicy braised chicken stew―but this time with a unique Korean-style pickle twist! Tender chicken, potatoes, and vegetables are simmered in a rich gochujang-based sauce, now complemented by the tangy flavor of pickles for an exciting new layer of taste.

We are also excited to welcome our new chef, Madeleine, who will guide you step by step this flavorful dish while sharing tips to bring out the authentic Korean taste at home.

Join us to explore the bold flavors of Korean cuisine and add a delicious new twist to a classic favorite!


⚠ Please note: This is a spicy dish, recommended for those who enjoy or can handle spicyness.


Date and Time : Thursday, September 18th 2025 | 13:30 - 15:00
Location : Seorae Global Village Center (3F, 28, Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul)
Target Audience : Foreign residents(adult) living in Seoul
Fee : 20,000KRW
Payment due date : September 11th 18:00 (your reservation will be automatically cancelled if payment is not made by then).
What to bring : Apron, two-three sealable containers

📌 Space limited to 8 people
📌 Class conducted in English 

Reservation : click the 'sign up' button down below and fill out the form
Inquiry : seorae@seoul.go.kr | 02-2155-8916
Korean Literature "Seorae" Book Club đŸ“š

The Seorae Book Club is an off-line self-moderated English speaking book club covering segments of contemporary Korean literature.  How to join? Simply read the book of the month, and come to share and discuss about Korean society, its culture,  its people and its history. 

Open to all interested in Korean books and writers.

The Boy Who Escaped Paradise by J.M.LEE

This month’s book tells the story of Gil-mo, a North Korean young math prodigy who escapes from a political prison to find his only remaining family member.  After his father, a secret Christian, is imprisoned, Gil-mo and his friend Yeong-ae are sent to a labor camp.  When Yeong-ae escapes, Gil-mo follows, navigating a dangerous world of betrayal and criminal activity. The novel explores the themes of ideology, greed, and despair, with Gil-mo’s unique mathematical perspective shaping his journey. 

Date and Time : Wednesday, September 24th 2025 | 19:00 (90min)
Location : Seorae Global Village Center (3F, 28, Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul)
Target Audience : Any adult living in Seoul (all nationalities welcome)
Fee : Free of charge except for the books that need to be purchased/downloaded by participants
 
📌 Session conducted in English

Reservation : click the 'sign up' button down below and fill out the form
( those who signed up last time do not need to register again! )
Inquiry : seoraeglobal@gmail.com | 02-2155-8949
TOURS & OUTING
Walking Guided Tour in Seongbuk-gu
Monks, Temples, and Independence
Join us for a guided walking tour through Seongbuk-gu, a district rich in history, culture, and resilience. Beginning at the Korean Stone Art Museum and continuing to Gilsanga Temple, Bukak Super Road, Lee Jong-seok Villa, and finally the historic Simujang House, the tour traces the footsteps of monks, independence activists, and literary figures who shaped modern Korea.
Along the way, you will discover hidden alleys, stories of social satire, and the enduring spirit of independence and culture embedded in Seongbuk's landscape. This program offers not only a journey through remarkable landmarks but also a deeper connection to the people and history that define the district.
Date and Time : Tuesday, September 16th 2025 | 10:00
Meeting Point : In front of the Korean Stone Art Museum (location details will be sent by email)
Target Audience : Foreign residents living in Seoul
Fee : 5,000KRW to pay entrance fee.
Payment Due Date: September 9th 18:00 (your reservation will be automatically cancelled if payment is not made by then).

📌 Space limited to 15 people
📌 Free of charge
📌 Tour conducted in English

Reservation : click the 'sign up' button down below and fill out the form
Inquiry : seorae@seoul.go.kr | 02-2155-8916
Want to See a Play Together?
An afternoon at the theater: Hang Over in English!

The Center has reserved seats for the long-running hit play Hang Over on September 26 at 1:00PM, so that our members can enjoy it together! Originally performed in Korean since 2014 in Daehangno, Hyehwa―the heart of Seoul's theater culture―this comedy mystery thriller is now available in English.


Set in a hotel where a shocking murder takes place, the play blends humor, suspense, and unexpected twists. With regular tickets priced at 50,000KRW, this is a special opportunity offered free to our members.


⚠ Reservation is required through the Center. Do not miss out―spots are limited!


Date and Time : Friday, September 26th 2025 | 13:00 - 14:30
Location : Theater Jeong (69, Daehak-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul)
Target Audience : Foreign residents over 16 years old (born before February 2009)

📌 Free of charge
📌 Play animated in English 

Reservation : Click the 'sign up' button down below to fill out the form
Inquiry : seorae@seoul.go.kr | 02-2155-8916
LANGUAGE CLASSES
The Seorae Global Village Center will be accepting registrations for the Fall 2025 Korean language class. The semester will run for 10 weeks from October 13 to December 20.

Applications will open on September 22nd at 10AM.
For more details, please click the button below.

Inquiry : 02-2155-8916 or seorae@seoul.go.kr
SEMINAR & CONSULTATION
Orientation Session for New Comers

The Seorae Global Village Center will hold an Orientation session on September 9th for newly arrived families and residents. This session will provide helpful information and tips to support a smooth transition to life in Korea. We will also be joined by special guests from St.Mary Hospital and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, who will introduce the Korean medical system and share basic crime prevention tips and reporting procedures.


Date and Time : Tuesday, September 9th 2025 | 13:00 - 15:15
Location : Seorae Global Village Center (3F, 28, Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul)
Target Audience : Foreign residents

📌 Space limited to 20 people
📌 Free of charge
📌 Conducted in English 

Reservation : Scan the QR code in the image or click the 'sign up' button down below to fill out the form
Inquiry : seorae@seoul.go.kr | 02-2155-8916
Your Guide to Banking in Korea: Orientation Seminar

Banking in a new country can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Join our orientation seminar to learn the essentials of the Korean banking system―how to open an account, use digital tools like certificates and OTPs, make wire transfers, and explore savings options. 

A professional from Shinhan Bank will be at the center to lead the seminar, answer your questions, and help satisfy your curiosity about banking in Korea. Whether you are new to Korea or simply want a clearer understanding of local banking, this session will give you the confidence to manage your finances smoothly.


Date and Time : Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 | 10:00-11:20
Location : Seorae Global Village Center (3F, 28, Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul)
Target Audience : Foreign residents 

📌 Space limited to 20 people
📌 Free of charge, but registration is a must!
📌 Session conducted in English 

Reservation : Scan the QR code in the image or click the 'sign up' button down below to fill out the form
Inquiry : seorae@seoul.go.kr | 02-2155-8916
Administrative Consulting Service
Get expert guidance on Korean administrative processes!

The Seorae Global Village Center offers free one-on-one consultations through a partnership with LIEN Administrative Attorney. Whether you have questions about visas, residence permits, certified translations, and administrative procedures, you can receive reliable guidance right here at the center once a month on Thursday.


⚠ Please note:

This consultation is provided free of charge, focusing on basic guidance and procedural advice. Preparation of documents, formal applications, and communication with agencies are NOT INCLUDED and may be subject to separate fees.


Date : Thursday, September 25th 2025 
Time : 14:00-16:00 (30min allocated for each participant)
Language available : French, English, Korean
Location : Seorae Global Village Center (3F, 28, Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul)
Target Audience : Foreign residents living in Seoul

Reservation : Scan the QR code in the image or click the 'sign up' button down below to fill out the form
Inquiry : seorae@seoul.go.kr | 02-2155-8916
KID'S PROGRAM
Wednesday Storytelling Hour
Have your child engage and develop language skills by giving them a chance to listen to stories told by an adult. The purpose of this storytelling hour is to have young minds discover the pleasure of reading, while encouraging curiosity and imagination.
This will be animated in French and/or English depending on our primary audience.
Reservation is a must!

Date and Time : September 17, 24th 2025 | Every Wedensday at 13:30
Location : Seorae Global Village Center (3F, 28, Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul)
Target Audience : Any child living in Seoul as a foreign resident age 1 to 5+

📌 Must be accompanied by an adult
📌 Free of charge, but reservation is a must
📌 Animated in French and/or English

Reservation : Scan the QR code in the image or click the 'sign up' button down below to fill out the form (one form per participant)
Inquiry : seorae@seoul.go.kr | 02-2155-8916
Art for Kids Wednesdays 🎹
Date and Time : September 10, 17, 24th 2025 (3 sessions) | Every Wednesday at 16:30
Location : Seorae Global Village Center 
Target Audience : Any child living in Seoul as a foreign resident aged from 5 to 8
(grande section to CE1 / senior kindergarten to year 1)
Material Fee : 15,000 KRW for all 3 sessions
Payment due date : September 3rd, 6:00 PM (Reservations will be cancelled if payment is not confirmed by this time. Reservations are confirmed on a first-paid, first-served basis).

📌 Space limited to 8 children 
📌 Guardians are kindly to remain in the lobby
📌 Reservation on a first-paid-first-served basis
📌 Payment in full for all 2 sessions, no reimbursement for missed classes
📌 Class conducted in English (with French assistance)

Reservation : Scan the QR code in the image or click the 'sign up' button down below to fill out the form (one form per participant)
Inquiry : seorae@seoul.go.kr | 02-2155-8916
Bonjour Ă  tous les francophones et francophiles!

Pour un rĂ©cital de Contes d'Ici et d'Ailleurs de la classe des 6eme du LFS, nous cherchons des intervenants francophones qui ne sont pas d'origine française pour raconter un conte de leur pays d'origine. Un effort collaboratif avec le LycĂ©e Français de SĂ©oul depuis 2019! Dans le passĂ© nous avons Ă©coutĂ© des contes en français de Costa Rica, Cameroun, Croatie, Italie, Chine, Inde, Khazakstan, Japon, Roumanie, Pologne, Peru et la CorĂ©e du Sud. 
Cette annĂ©e ce rĂ©cital est prĂ©vu pour le mois de Novembre. Une dizaine de minutes pour chaque conte. L'accent sera sur l'Ă©change avec ou sans support matĂ©riel... Merci de nous contacter au seoraeglobal@gmail.com si vous ĂȘtes intĂ©ressĂ©(e)! Merci
COMING UP NEXT
Stories in Translation with Sora Kim-Russell
Caring for Others in "Hell Joseon" from the Hole to Hello Baby
In collaboration with the LTI Korea (Literature Translation Institute of Korea), the Seorae Global is excited to organize a dialogue with the translator event scheduled on October 16th, 2025.
Ms. Sora Kim-Russell, an award winning professional translator from California has translated a number of prominent Korean writers, including Hwang Sok-yong, Pyun Hye-young and Kim Un-su. Her translations have appeared in outlets such as The New Yorker and Harper’s Magazine. Her works were nominated for many translation prizes and awards, and the Hole won the Shirley Jackson Award.
This talk will be centered on depictions of mothers and care work in Korean literature. Sora will share excerpts from her translations of Pyun Hye-young’s The Hole (2016) and Kim Eui-Kyung’s forthcoming Hello Baby (2023- English version to appear in the market in Feb of 2026), and will discuss the perils of becoming a professional translator and working mother. The lecture hall is being generously offered by the French School of Seoul (LycĂ©e Français de SĂ©oul LFS). Reservation is required if you are interested in attending. Open to all including high school students interested in literature and translation work. If you own any of Sora’s translated books, you can bring it for signing at the end of the talk. The talk will be in English.

Date and Time : Thursday, October 16th 2025 | 19:00-20:20
Location : French School of Seoul (7, Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul)
Target Audience : Anyone interested in literature and translation 
Reservation due date:  October 2nd 2025 18:00 

📌 Free of charge
📌 Conducted in English

Reservation : Scan the QR code in the image or click the 'sign up' button down below to fill out the form (one form per participant)
Inquiry : seoraeglobal@gmail.com | 02-2155-8949
TOWN EVENTS
The Seorae Global Village Center is part of a network of information and welcome centers for foreigners located in neighborhoods across Seoul where many foreign residents tend to reside. The opening of these centers was an initiative of the city of Seoul in 2008 with the mission to provide practical information about living in Korea so that foreign residents find the day-to-day management easy. Our primary role is to answer questions that pertain to daily life and to help manage situations where the language barrier becomes an issue.
You will find at the center Korean language programs as well as other cultural and artistic lessons to learn and appreciate the multiple facts of the Korean culture. We hope that this will help you create new encounters and discoveries. 
Please visit our website for more information about what's happening this month.
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Opening Hours : Monday - Friday 9:00 - 18:00
(closed 12:00 - 13:00 lunch break)
Closed on weekends and Holidays
TEL : 02-2155-8916/8949
E-mail : seorae@seoul.go.kr
3F, 28, Seorae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea
            Copyrightⓒ 2025. Seorae Global Village Center. All rights reserved.